What is the conversation protocol (saying 'over' to end a message etc.) for talking over walkie-talkies?

We use walkie-talkies (two way radios or trans-receivers) for co-ordination in outdoor activities like trekking, camping etc. It is incredibly handy where cell phone coverage is poor or even absent. I have seen (mostly in movies or on TV) military personnel and law enforcement agencies use a particular talking style or conversation protocol while communicating over walkie-talkies. They say "over" to end a message, "out" to end a conversation etc. What the complete conversation protocol or style-guide, if you will, for such communication? I hope to use it for making our conversations more structured and precise.

6 Answers

Let's say your call sign is Goose and the other person's call sign is Maverick.

You would begin the conversation by saying "Maverick, come in. Over."

Maverick would respond by saying "Goose, this is Maverick. Go ahead."

You would continue with your part of the conversation. Make sure after every sentence or two you say "Break" and release the call button for about 2 seconds to allow others to interrupt in case of an urgent update.

for example:

"Maverick, please be advised that there is an accident up ahead on route # 111. Break"

"I think the best alternate route would be to take a right at the next intersection. Break"

"We should be able to cut back onto route 111 about 2 miles ahead. How copy? Over."

You say "How copy?" to ensure that Maverick confirms what you have just said.